2017 Summer Job Outlook for Teens

Recent Bureau Of Labor Statistics show the US unemployment rate is at its lowest point (4.7%) since 2008 when former President Obama won his first election. We’re hopeful this means the growing possibility of new job openings this summer that teens could fill and the willingness of companies to hire self-motivated ambitious teens to fill them, says Teens4Hire.org.

Renée Ward, founder of Teens4Hire® and an advocate for teen employment says:

“Teens who want to work should know that while retail jobs are on the decline, there is growth in part-time business service jobs which includes the online sector. It’s time for young adults to get prepared, check out the opportunities, and get out of the house to go after a position of interest.”

She adds, “Teens don’t be shy about approaching companies in person. If you can demonstrate a positive attitude and the eagerness to learn, you’ll motivate people to hire you.” For the past decade, statistics show 3 out of 4 teens who wanted to work could not land jobs. They were stymied by a lackluster job market and having to compete with immigrants and older adults who were willing to accept the type of jobs traditionally held by teens, as well as, the same rate of pay.

Another bit of good news is the rise in the stock market has helped older workers near or at retirement age to see a nice increase in their 401k plans which gives many seniors the opportunity to bypass taking low wage part-time positions (traditionally held by teens) solely for needed income. As always, experience will trump inexperience. Adult teens (18-19) have an advantage over minor teens (14-17) in getting a job. That’s because older teens are perceived to be more mature, have prepped themselves better and/or already have some work experience.

In addition to the many free resources the site provides including a nationwide jobs database tailored to teens, it hosts an interview series, “My First Job”, profiling the first job stories of successful people. Teens seeking work can get tips that they can use today from these interviews.

Overall, businesses complain that teens are not prepared to work and don’t have the means or inclination to train young adults in work place fundamentals. To address this need, Teens4Hire.org offers an optional premium membership that includes a package of services designed to get teens that need help ready for the workplace, certified and prepared to compete for openings.

Ward says, “Parents should make this small one-time investment to “develop job readiness” if their teenager needs it. It gives teens an edge in overcoming employer reluctance in hiring, has credible results and provides a work ethic foundation that lasts a lifetime.”

Internships (paid and non-paid) are proliferating. Young adults can find openings in a plethora of industries from computer technology to fashion.

Teens4Hire.org polls show that 80% of teens 14-19 want paying jobs. Teens crave paid work-based learning experiences such as internships, co-ops and apprenticeships that make education relevant and interesting and let them explore career options. But for pay, teens are willing to work as housekeepers and gardeners too. They need the income for necessities such as school supplies, transportation, phones, clothing, college tuition, and in many cases to help support their entire family.

Ward says, “We catch young people at the moment “they” feel they are ready to work. It is at this time that young people make critical choices that affect their transition into adulthood and shape their perceptions about the world of work. Work experience at this stage in life is critical, and people who spend a large share of their young adult years unemployed have a hard time finding and keeping a job later in life.”